"Mr. Will" Martin Spirit of Hospitality Award

The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau is currently taking nominations for the 2016 Martin Spirit of Hospitality Award, recognizing exceptional customer service. If you have someone on your frontline team who goes above and beyond for your customers, please take a moment to fill out the following form. The individual chosen for the award, as well as the nominator, will be recognized at the Irving Hospitality Industry Luncheon on Feb. 2, 2016 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 4th.

Named in honor of Willie Martin (a.k.a "Mr. Will"), waiter extraordinaire at both Champps Las Colinas and Cool River Café Las Colinas, who went above and beyond to ensure customers had an extraordinary experience. Gifted with an incredible memory, he never forgot a name, a face or a birthday, and could tell you ever item on the menu and wine list, while making recommendation to suit your taste or mood. Willie passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 1, 2014. He left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him, and his name will live in perpetuity through this award, given annually to a front-line hospitality employee in Irving who exemplifies extraordinary customer service and leaves a lasting impression on customers, just like Willie did.